Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz CSSF nominated Canisius High School Campus Minister Father Fred Betti SJ for the “Touchdown for Teachers” award, sponsored by M&T Bank. Throughout the past 10 years Fr. Betti has been an inspiration and gift to the Response to Love Center.

Under his guidance and direction, the youth from Canisius High School, have served in the dining room, the pantry and thrift shops. Before, during and after the installation of the new elevator, hours were spent this year remodeling and moving the Center’s food pantry food pantry warehouse and dining room.

Father Betti was notified as one of the five finalists, and named as one of the four runners up, receiving $100 in grant funds for Canisius High School and two tickets to the Buffalo Bills draft party on May 8. As nominator Sister was invited as a guest to the Buffalo Bills draft party, held the UB Alumni Arena. The evening’s event was filled with thousands of Buffalo Bills fans who look forward to the new lineup for the upcoming year.

Sister Johnice and Bishop Malone Distributing the Third Millennium Pins to volunteers

Thursday May 1, 2014 (Feast of St Joseph the Worker.)

A Mass of Thanksgiving took place at Saint John Kanty Church in Buffalo New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Response to Love Center and Volunteer Appreciation Day.

Rev. Richard J. Malone Bishop of Buffalo was the main celebrant for the special occasion with celebrants Rev. Msgr. Paul Litwin Chancellor, Rev. Steven Jekielek, Rev. James Fugle, Rev. Fredrick Betti S.J. and Deacons Marc Leadersforf and David Velasquez.

Sister Johnice welcomed all with recognition of the founding of the Response to Love Center some 30 years ago with the help and approval of the late Msgr. Joe Bialek Pastor of St. Adalbert’s at the time.

The music was prepared by Mr. Kevin Durkin and enhanced by the voices of 35 Canisius High School students.

After communion Bishop Malone blessed each volunteer and presented them with a “Third Millennium Pin.” The pin is significant as it is a challenge from Pope Francis to live a spirit of faith, hope and love in their ministry to the poor. After the Mass a buffet was hosted at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga, NY for the Clergy, Sisters, Staff and volunteers. Kathleen Majchrzak, Volunteer Coordinator, prepared the afternoon with song and awards recognition for volunteers.

The awards presented for 2014 included:

“Volunteer of the Year”… respecting the dignity of all and supporting the journey of each person with compassionate presence…

“Saint Matthew Award”… recognizing volunteers who like Jesus invited a friend to “FOLLOW ME” in service to others

“Companions on the Journey”… recognizing those volunteers who count their service in terms of decades rather than days.